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Roofing the Right Way
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Your roof is your home's first line of defense from the elements. But sun,
wind and rain all wear down your roof over time.
Since your roof is the largest component of your house, it can also be the
most vulnerable to severe storms, and the costliest single site of damage. That's
why it's important to make sure your roof is built the correct way, with the
right materials by a qualified licensed contractor.
Whether you're planning to re-roof now or years from now, this information
will help you navigate the process, choose the right materials and show you
how proper roof maintenance can identify problems before they become financial
disasters.
Signs of a Problem
When it rains, do too many roof granules wash away? Are there water stains
on your ceiling? Even the smallest leak or curling shingle can be a sign of
trouble. That's when it's time to hire someone who knows what to look for.
Hiring a Contractor
Quality installation is an important part of the roofing equation. When choosing
a contractor, the National Roofing Contractors Association (www.nrca.net) says
you should:
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Get bids from reputable contractors and check references. |
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Request verification of insurance. Make sure the bid clearly
defines the work that will be done, including hauling away of debris and
yard cleanup. |
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Specify within the contract a time frame for completion. |
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Do not pay the full amount up front (one-third is usually sufficient)
and do not make final payment until you verify the job is complete. |
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Make sure the contract is signed by both parties. |
Choosing Materials
You want your home to look nice. But while people typically select the look
and color of roofing materials, they often leave key features, like resistance
to the elements - hail impact, high wind and fire - to the contractor.
It's important to understand why some roofing products work better in certain
parts of the country than others. In addition to the weather your homes faces
on a daily basis and disasters that could be a threat, the shape or type of
roof also dictates which materials will better protect your home.
Asphalt shingles (reinforced with fiberglass):
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Relatively low cost and easy to install |
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Good fire resistance (usually Class A) |
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Class 3 and 4 impact resistance is available, should
be used in hail regions |
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Available with wind warranties up to 130 mph, if
installed in accordance with manufacturer's high wind requirements |
Slate:
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Quarried in the Northeast and Virginia |
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Very strong. |
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High quality slate can outlast most other roofing
material |
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Requires special skill and experience for installation,
which can affect cost |
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Heavy so your contractor should verify the structure
can hold the weight if you are replacing another kind of roofing material |
Tile:
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Good in dry climates |
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Solid, long lasting product |
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Higher threshold for hail damage (some have Class
3 or 4 impact resistance) |
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Can be more permeable than other products if exposed
to blowing rain |
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Heavy so your contractor should verify the structure
can hold the weight if you are replacing another kind of roofing material |
Wood:
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**Coverage may not be available in certain areas
due to Hail and Brush Fire exposure** |
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Thinner products can be susceptible to hail damage,
especially after aging |
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Some building codes limit use because of wildfire
concerns, but some product can be Class A fire rated with factory applied
fire-resistant treatment |
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Often used in wrong climates for cosmetic reasons |
Five Roof System Components:
Each component plays an important role in the life of your roof.
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Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment
(tar paper beneath covering) to protect sheathing from weather. |
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Sheathing: boards or sheet material fastened to roof
rafters to cover a house. |
| 3. |
Roof structure: rafters and trusses built to support
the sheathing. |
| 4. |
Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into
a roof system's joints and valleys to prevent water seepage. |
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Drainage: a roof system's design features, such as shape,
slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water. |
Care and Maintenance:
For most consumers, their single largest investment is the home. Just like anything
else, it needs to be maintained. That goes for your roof, too. These simple maintenance
tips can help your roof last longer
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Proper eave and ridge ventilation may help extend
roof life by reducing the buildup of heat and moisture. |
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Keep trees trimmed to prevent them from rubbing against
the roof or from providing excessive shade. |
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Keep roof, valleys, gutters and downspouts free from
leaves, twigs and other litter than can build up and prevent proper drainage. |
Preservatives available for some roof types may help limit weathering effects of moisture and retard growth of molds and mosses.
Roofing products have changed significantly over the years. There are a wide range of choices in material, appearance and price. When it's time for a new roof, make sure you choose materials that will help protect your home for many years to come.
Thanks to the Institute for Business & Home Safety for providing this material. Visit the IBHS web site for more ways to protect your property from unnecessary losses at www.ibhs.org.
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